You've spent the year learning about Smartboards and using technology at the point of instruction.

How has your thinking changed?

Did you have any misconceptions that were cleared up this year?

What advice might you give a new group of Tech Coaches next year?

Please contribute your ideas in a list below:

• Smartboards are not difficult to set up once you've done it a few times
• you need the equipment in your classroom every day in order to integrate it into your program
• things aren't always better with the smartboard, sometimes pencil and paper is better
• some software works really well with the smartboard (e.g. Clicker 5, video)
• smartboards are good support for cooperative learning strategies (eg. graphics or video to get students discussing in groups)
• smartboards are an advantage, but not completely necessary if you have the notebook software and a projector
• you have to watch that you don't reinforce the traditional "sage on the stage" teacher style too much
• some of the interactive tools can be slow, tricky, or unresponsive - sometimes it's best/easier to keep it simple and create your own activities
• Have students help you explore the notebook software (on the image) by allowing them to use the software as a presentation software tool. Great way to advocate community of learners.